Despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan in world cricket, cricketers from both nations have occasionally shown heartwarming gestures towards each other. A remarkable instance of this camaraderie was when former India captain Virat Kohli gifted an INR 30,000 bat to Mohammad Amir, the former Pakistan pacer, during a training session. This act exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship, where the game of cricket transcends borders and fosters goodwill among players, setting an inspiring example for fans and fellow cricketers alike.
Virat Kohli’s love for batting gear is well-known, and he takes great pride in his collection. The Indian cricket star has admitted to keeping an impressive arsenal of around 11 bats in his kit bag during lengthier tournaments such as the Indian Premier League. Kohli’s association with MRF has resulted in personalized bats designed to suit his unique playing style, which are now available for fans on the brand’s official website.
Unlike some players who prefer to use fresh bats exclusively during practice, Kohli follows a different approach. He carefully maintains and repairs his used bats, ensuring they are in top condition before every match. This dedication to his equipment showcases his commitment to performing at his best.
Kohli’s gear has even caught the attention of fellow cricketers, with former South Africa captain AB de Villiers jokingly expressing a desire to “steal” some of Kohli’s impressive batting equipment. Hence, Mohammad Amir can count himself fortunate to have received one of these prized pieces directly from the man himself—a true token of respect and friendship between players from rival teams.
Once, Virat Kohli, known for carrying 11 bats in his kit bag, generously gifted a bat worth INR 30,000 to Mohammad Amir.
During the ICC World Twenty20 2016, ahead of a high-stakes India-Pakistan match, Virat Kohli presented his bat to Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir during a training session at Eden Gardens. Amir was elated and immediately started practicing with the gifted bat. The gesture exemplified sportsmanship and mutual respect between the two rival teams.
During the Asia Cup before the ICC World Twenty20 2016, India defeated Pakistan, but Mohammad Amir’s impressive bowling caught Virat Kohli’s attention. Kohli praised Amir for his skill and promised him a special gift. True to his word, ahead of their next encounter, Kohli gifted one of his bats to Amir during a training session. The gesture showcased their mutual respect, despite being fierce competitors on the field. In their confrontations, Kohli scored 56 runs off 60 balls against Amir, with three dismissals.
It was not the first occasion when an Indian batter gave a bat to a Pakistani bowler. Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar once gave his bat to former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis. Afridi then used the same bat to score the then-fastest ODI century against Sri Lanka in 1996.
Why Do Cricketers Carry Multiple Bats In Kit Bag?
Batsmen like Steven Smith often carry multiple bats in their kit bags, numbering them for specific purposes. They might have bats of different weights to suit various match situations. Some players also maintain separate bats for training and matches to preserve their match bats. Such practices highlight the attention to detail and individual preferences that professional cricketers employ to enhance their performance on the field.